People on the Move: Ripe Insurance; MC Vanguard; CJ Retail Solutions; GHP Legal; Salix Homes

Dan Dawson

Ripe Insurance, the InsurTech specialist behind some of the UK’s most successful niche insurance products, has appointed Dan Dawson to the role of underwriting manager.

In this role Dan will be responsible for ensuring all 12 of the company’s insurance products are profitable, in addition to overseeing new product development.

The new senior hire comes at a time when Manchester-based Ripe plans to bring three new products to market by early 2019. Dan will report directly into executive chairman Paul Williams.

Dan has worked in underwriting for 14 years. He joins Ripe from Aspen Risk Management where he was North West senior underwriter for three years. Prior to that he was a development underwriter at Travelers.

Commenting on his appointment he said: “I’ve always worked for the big traditional insurers, but the industry is rapidly changing, and I was keen to move into the InsurTech sphere. Ripe is an entrepreneurial business shaking up the insurance model, so it’s an exciting time to be here.”

Paul Williams said: “Dan’s wealth of experience in underwriting will play a significant role in our growth plans. His appointment strengthens our capabilities and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Ripe, which employs 66 people, is disrupting the insurance sector with its use of cutting-edge technologies and a focus on digital marketing.

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North West corporate finance firm MC Vanguard, part of the accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth, has promoted James Curtis to corporate finance manager.

James joined MC Vanguard two years ago, and is primarily based in the Manchester office, although operates on a regional basis, working alongside corporate finance partners Brian McCann and Jerry Scriven on a variety of lead advisory and strategic advisory projects.

Before joining MC Vanguard James worked as a management consultant, with a number of corporate clients, such as Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Aviation, and Kingdom Hotel Investments, primarily in the Middle East, on a wide range of strategic projects.

Prior to this James spent four years as part of the British Army’s Defence Technical Officer Engineering Entry Scheme.

The international links continue with MC Vanguard being recently involved in an acquisition search on behalf of Workforce Holdings, a listed South African human capital services company.

James Curtis

Recent transactions James has advised on include the trade sale of Crest Environmental, and he is currently involved in a variety of buy and sell side transactions, ranging from private equity buyouts, acquisition and disposal mandates.

Brian McCann, partner at MC Vanguard, said: “This promotion recognises and rewards James’ hard work, commitment and contribution to the team since he joined the firm. Following his promotion, he will play an important role in driving our future growth in Manchester alongside partner Jerry Scriven.”

James said: “Working at MC Vanguard has really allowed me to flourish. I feel honoured to have been made manager in such a short space of time, and feel incredibly proud that my commitment has been recognised.”

He added: “Exciting things are happening in the Manchester corporate finance market. The city is regarded as an attractive place to obtain corporate finance advice, undertake an acquisition strategy or raise capital.

“We’re working with companies from across the North West, North Wales and, in some cases, even further afield. Manchester is very much seen as the hub for corporate finance and other advisory services outside of London – for example, there are now more than 18 private equity houses with a presence in Manchester.”

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The busy private client team at GHP Legal has welcomed the appointment of a new solicitor to help cope with its increasing workload.

The firm, which ranks in The Legal 500 list of top UK law firms, appointed Miss Ulia Choudhry to the team at the beginning of August.

With around 100 employees, GHP Legal is one of the largest independent law firms in the region.

Robert Williams and Ulia Choudhry

Based at the firm’s Wrexham head office, Ulia will handle all aspects of private client work, including the preparation of wills and trusts, the administration of estates, inheritance tax matters and advising clients with regard to elderly issues from LPAs to Deputy Orders.

Speaking about her appointment, GHP Legal partner, Robert Williams, said: “To be a good private client solicitor you will have a wide knowledge of the law to be able to structure someone’s affairs in a cost-effective and imaginative way.

“Above all, you must be a people-person with great empathy.

“At GHP Legal we pride ourselves on having a team that displays all those attributes and Ulia is no exception. We are pleased to welcome her on to the team.”

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Seasoned field marketing expert, Dan Mayer, has joined retail display installation expert CJ Retail Solutions as its new field marketing business unit director.

Dan Mayer

Bringing a wealth of knowledge to the role Dan has worked on many strategic field teams in a range of sectors, including food, technology, groceries, traditional high streets and retail parks.

Dan said: “CJ Retail Solutions is a great company and what attracted me to it most, was its belief in the importance of people and its clients.

“Its teams truly understand that building strong, lasting relationships, with both staff and clients is paramount, and that’s an ethos I share, too.

“I’m eager to use my expertise to grow and develop the CJ Retail Solutions field marketing offering.”

In his new role Dan will be responsible for building a field marketing division within CJ Retail Solutions, which will help the company provide its customers with even higher levels of customer care and support.

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Salford housing association Salix Homes has welcomed its newest cohort of apprentices.

Salix Homes has five new apprentices, four of whom have joined its repairs and maintenance service, while the fifth is learning the ropes in the customer service team.

Over the past three years Salix Homes has created more than 50 apprenticeship positions through its Earn as You Learn programme, both within the organisation and with its partner contractors.

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome our newest cohort of apprentices onto our successful Earn as You Learn apprenticeship programme, which is helping local people in Salford build themselves a bright future.

“An apprenticeship is a fantastic route for not only the apprentice, but for Salix Homes as an employer, too.

“They’re gaining essential skills and experience while getting paid, while for Salix Homes, we are providing opportunities for local people and building our workforce of the future.

“Our latest apprentice cohort will also benefit from the expertise and guidance of a dedicated mentor who will provide one-on-one support throughout their apprenticeship journey.”

From left: Ali Nikbakht, Mason Gill, Connor Boyle and Kade Heath

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